Still searching for that public long beard

[dammitbobby]

I grew up deer hunting but this is my first season turkey hunting on my own. I've found myself unconsciously applying deer hunting strategy to my approach, in the form of sitting on a field edge in a blind. I've covered a lot of ground scouting Priest WMA and have found a lot of sign. I've seen many, many deer and a good many hens as well, nearly every time I go out. I'm pretty confident of turkey in the area and have heard gobbling but have yet to see a beard of any kind. Each time I plan on sitting in my spot for sunrise then becoming mobile, but the issue is that I'll have animals come out in the field in front of me about 6:30 and not leave until 11 or later sometimes so I'm afraid to get up and spook them. Last couple times I've been confined to this spot almost the whole hunting day but I was OK with that since I'm seeing animals. My question to the knowledgeable folks here, do consistent hen sightings mean I need to stick to this area in hopes one day a gobbler decides to get frisky? My plan next time is choke up on the travel routes I've been seeing these birds come from, hoping to get closer to the roost tree I haven't been able to locate yet.

Again, first season novice turkey hunter so any insight or advice is appreciated.

 

[Ocoee Ridge Runner]

Three words locate-setup-kill. Seriously I never setup until I locate a gobbling bird and then I find a good setup to call him into.

 

[catman529]

You can kill turkeys with deer hunting tactics, but it's not the most efficient way to hunt turkeys. If you hear a bird gobble, try to get as close as you can without spooking him or crossing a property line. Call to him after you found a good setup and are well hidden. Field birds can be very difficult to call in, you'll have better luck in the woods unless you by chance catch a gobbler heading down the field edge toward you. The place you are hunting sees a ton of hunters, fishermen, dog walkers, horseback riders and hikers, so it can be really tough to find a gobbler in the late season. Good luck

 

[SamboWilly]

This is my first year hunting turkey too. And on public, I have found that I'm getting much closer and more action just sitting on the trails/roads until sunrise and moving toward the gobblers.

 

[Gravey]

I wouldn't set up on the field until hearing one gobble then make a move. The good thing is if there's hens there's a gobbler or three relatively close. PP can be tricky hunting the hunters. Good luck!